All the speakers commended the work of the gardai and paid tribute to the men and women of the force for the vital role they perform throughout the county with Minister Kehoe saying they often don't get the recognition they deserve.

'I know I speak on behalf of the people of County Wexford when I say how proud and grateful we are to all of the agencies represented here tonight that work around the clock to keep our communities safe and secure.

Special presentations were made by Wexford County Council, the Order of Malta and community groups to Superintendent Denis Whelan and Inspector Graham Rowley who were congratulated on their recent promotions.

Superintendent Whelan has left Wexford to take up a new role as District Officer in Cahir, County Tipperary. His tireless efforts will be greatly missed by community groups in Wexford including Wexford MarineWatch and Wexford Women's Refuge, on which he served as a board member.

Inspector Rowley is taking up a new role as Garda Inspector in the New Ross District.

Before his promotion, he played a key role as Sergeant in Charge at Wexford Garda Station, where he worked to improve community policing and became well known to the public through attendance at festivals and sporting and other events locally.

Superintendent Whelan and Inspector Rowley were accompanied by their respective wives Shauna and Marie who joined in the celebrations.

Wexford Women's Refuge Manager Pauline Ennis outlined the tragic reality of domestic violence and the importance of support services.

Msic was provided by the Murphy Brothers. Declan Reck and James Donegan were thanked for organising the evening which is to be expanded next year into an annual appreciation event for all the emergency services and voluntary rescue groups in Wexford.